Speeding is one of the major killers on Queensland roads.
During 2013, there were 47 fatalities as a result of speed-related crashes, representing more than 1 in 5 road deaths (20.3%) in Queensland. In addition to these tragic deaths, hundreds more people every year are injured in speed crashes – some permanently.
Speeding is not just driving faster than the posted speed limit. It is also driving too fast for the prevailing weather, light, traffic and road conditions without full regard for the vehicle’s condition and driver’s skills and experience.
Don’t speed
Regularly check your speed to ensure you are travelling within the posted speed limit; most crashes happen at less than 10 kilometres over the speed limit.
If the weather, traffic or road conditions are poor, you may need to slow down, increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front, and travel below the speed limit to stay safe.
When driving, you share the road with others so the speed you choose needs to take into account their behaviour, including their mistakes.
Today’s key event
A key part of Road Safety week, the Cairns Road Safety Week Expo provides a fantastic opportunity for the community to get involved and pledge their support for road safety. Activities will include extraction demonstrations by Road Crash Rescue Teams at 10.30am and 12.30pm.
The Road Safety Week Expo is being held between 9am-2pm at the Fred Moule Pavillion, Cairns Showgrounds, Mulgrave Road, Westcourt.
Visit jointhedrive.qld.gov.au/road-safety-week for more information and to Speak up for Road Safety.
Queensland Road Safety Week is a joint initiative of the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
RACQ, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, and the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q), are proud supporters of the event.
